Always unexpected sitings when exploring the county roads east of Fremont. 
This time it was many Tree Sparrows. Drove along Rt. 6 toward Pickerel 
Creek WA and was met by 30+ Rock doves feeding in the corn stubble fields. 
Shortly after, over 50 Starlings covered a front yard, sifting through the 
grass. About 8 miles out on Rt. 6, heading to Sandusky, took left onto CR 
265 by Raccoon Creek. On the left are several large, apparently private, 
marshes. They were frozen over. One Northern Harrier glided in the strong 
winds above the unmowed fields opposite the private marshes.  The winds 
were strong in the open area with over 4 mph gusts. Two Canada geese flew 
over. Came to CR 232 and enjoyed watching many Tree Sparrows (over 60) 
picking alongside the berm. Continued on CR 232 then turned left onto CR 
259. Fifty Canada geese flew over and alighted into corn stubble while 18 
Tree sparrows fed on whatever along the road berm. Two Cardinals stared at 
me from a thicket. Turned around and returned to CR 232 and recorded more 
Canada geese. A half dozen or so Horned larks flew from the road berm when 
I passed and alighted into the corn stubble fields. Saw an additional 5 
Tree sparrows. 
     Got back on Rt. 6 and saw a Am. Kestrel balancing on the phone lines, 
blown by the stiff winds. Usually, RT hawks and others are at Pickerel 
Creek WA along the road, but just saw the Kestrel. Drove on Rt. 6 past 
PCWA and saw 30+ Starlings on another front lawn. Past M&M tavern on Rt. 6 
to the north in a small woodlot located in the middle of a large field 
were two Bald Eagle nests, but didn‘t see the adults hanging around them 
this time. This past summer, I drove to these nests with a Bald Eagle 
watcher volunteer and we saw two adults and 3 large young ones in profile 
in and on top of one of the nests.  
     Drove along Rt. 6 then took right onto Rt. 269 to Castalia. On the 
right when you get into town is a medical bldg. The creek flowing out of 
Castalia Pond is behind it. I saw 20 N. Shovelers and 6 Mallards there. 
Castalia Pond had over 60 American Widgeons, 100+ Canada geese, 60+ 
Mallards, 60+ Shovelers, 27 Black ducks (Glad to see that many there), 60+ 
Gadwalls, and a pair of Buffleheads. 
     I usually see 5 or more Bald Eagles on this CR trip to Castalia Pond, 
and more diving ducks. But, the Tree Sparrow count of 83 made it worth it. 
Robert in Fremont.

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